Graduation

Doug opened his graduation gift tonight.  He got a University of Utah tie, socks, shirt, and shirts for all 3 of the kids.  He was stunned and excited to wear them under his cap and gown.  It's pretty symbolic--BYU on the outside, a Ute on the inside.  :-)

Lyla was all smiles that night too.  Maybe she knows that this is a big deal?

Michelle sat with Dr Brent Slife, the chair of Doug's dissertation committee in preparation for the hooding.

We dressed the kids in cap and gown outfits when Doug walked up to get his diploma.  We were disappointed that they asked no one to clap to save time and he was one of the first 10 or so graduates to walk, so I was too chicken to cheer.  :-(

Lyla was way too asleep to wear her cap and gown.

 I was teary-eyed many times during the graduation.  This has been a moment I doubted would ever happen.

Doug happened to walk out of the stadium right next to us.  It was fun to see him.

The photos started...and went forever.

All those who attended paused for a photo together.  We have had so much support the last 6 years--but especially since having Ethan and Sydney.  Grandma Marchant has come nearly every week sine we had Ethan and Sydney to help me.  My parents have helped with the kids several times and running errands for me. Tonya and her family took on cleaning our house once each week and helping watch the kids during Doug's busiest times of school.  Michelle edited Doug's dissertation, offered a listening ear of understanding during intense times with Doug's dissertation.  There are so many others who've helped us.  We have had so much love and support.

Doug showed off his new U of U tie.

We've been craving dad time

Saturday morning came early with a trip to Alpine to see the Alpine Days parade.  They were stunned. 'I sit here these people come by in these cool cars and throw me candy? Why don't we do this more often.'  I am guessing they're going to be even more excited about Halloween.  

We have been waiting for a concert where their cousin, Josh, would be performing in his band playing guitar.  It was worth the wait!  It was so fun and Ethan and Sydney had a great time dancing and playing while Josh played for us.  They were quite good!  Keslee held Lyla and got a few smiles out of her as well.  It was so fun.

Doug's co-worker, Laura, shared monster toys with Ethan and Sydney and they've been pretty popular.  She uses them in her therapy with clients with anxiety.  The child makes a monster using the puddy and plastic pieces and then she has them 'leave it alone' and the puddy slowly melts into a flat 'pancake'.  She then talks about if you "leave your worries (anxiety) alone, they go flat like a pancake, but if you keep messing with them, it will keep shape (monster."  Pretty fascinating and creative.  :-)

I had to document one of the MANY bite injuries that happen in our house.  Holy smokes...I would love to have them stop biting...

Tuesday we picked up my sister's daughter, Grace, and took her with us to Thanksgiving Point to the dinosaur museum.  It was a great time.  I mostly spent time holding Lyla and took a break to feed her while they played in the sand.  

We sat outside for a bit and had a snack before heading to take Grace home.

Thursday we went swimming at a friend's pool nearby.  Ethan made amazing progress with his swimming skills and Sydney didn't cling to Doug the entire time.  I...fed Lyla by the pool.

Smile! You're on candid camera

Ethan and Sydney have mastered using my camera on my phone.  I love coming across the photos they have captured of our everyday lives.  

My workouts.  I was doing the Dreya Roll (P90X)

Waiting for mom and dad to be done talking at church.

Intern no more

It has happened.  This long year of internship has come to an end!  We decorated the door with some notes and couldn't wait for dad to get home.  He got home too late to see Ethan and Sydney before bed, so we took some photos before bedtime.  They knew that dad would have 'lots of days' off work to play and they couldn't be happier!

We took a drive up to Doug's office to finish up a few things the next day (Friday).  I couldn't help but snap a photo of cute Lyla asleep in her carseat.  She is such a sweet baby.

Doug has accepted a temporary position at the same office where he was an intern.  One of the psychologists is going on maternity leave and they have a 3-month waiting list to get in to see a psychologist as it is.  He will work there for three months and work simultaneously at another office where he has accepted another position.  This means he'll work at two offices through November and then possibly accept another position then.

On Friday we went to his office for him a wrap up a few things and run some errands in the area.  I laughed when I saw why Ethan and Sydney have loved visiting dad at work a few times this past year.  What kid wouldn't?  It's FULL of toys!!

They didn't want to leave.  I was thinking how nice this was going to be long-term.  Doug has been collecting kids books, toys, and Legos for his office.  Pretty awesome job!

We met up with 2 of Doug's co-workers and fellow interns for dinner that night.  Rose was leaving the next morning for her post-doctorate position in Oregon and we were so sad to see her leave.  Laura was going to be in town for a few weeks while she wrapped things up and packed up her home.  We enjoyed pizza and fun conversation.  This was the bitter-sweet part of his internship completion--saying goodbye to good friends.

Cousin Keslee time

Keslee joined us today for a trip to Farm County at Thanksgiving Point.  Ethan and Sydney both were able to ride the ponies (love $2 Tuesdays in August!) and I loved watching their thrilled expressions.  

Sydney made everyone in line laugh as she belted "Maybe" from the movie Annie.  She sang it like she was singing "Home on the Range" with her body swaying as she held onto the horn of the saddle.  I was dying.  It was too cute!

Keslee stayed for dinner and helped occupy Ethan and Sydney while I prepped.  It was a treat to hear them singing with her.

Lyla's Blessing

It was a great day today. Doug blessed Lyla in our congregation.  She wore the same dress Sydney had worn 3 years ago.  She looked so beautiful.  Aunt Michelle came over to get her dressed, which was such a treat!  Michelle gave us a special white blanket for this day several months ago.  

Doug gave her a beautiful blessing and we had a lot of family and a few friends there to participate.

Ethan and Sydney loved having cousins at church with us.  They are such great friends with Lyla.  Sometimes...a little overwhelming in their love and devotion.  Sydney seems to experiment with her and wonders 'what will happen if I do this...' and follows through.  Can't wait until she decides her experimenting is over!

Internship...DONE!

We left for a little party for Doug's completion of his internship.  On the way, keeping them awake in the car can be difficult.  We got a little desperate today and were having them make funny faces.  They loved this game...almost as much as my "name that tune" with Smarties (from the bank) as prizes.  They each got 3 Smarties each.  So funny.

We met up with Doug's coworkers for a little baby shower for one of the interns, Alicia on the lawn at the Capitol.  It was a stunning backdrop.  Ethan and Sydney grew impatient (and very hungry!) and began running down the hill just next to where we were sitting.  It was too beautiful!

Doug was given very high praises from his supervisors at Primary Children's.  I was not surprised.  Doug loved working with Brian.

There was a big moment of the night--Sydney made a friend by herself without Ethan.  These girls had a great time together.  Finley and Sydney were two peas in a pod.  

Finley's dad is a fun-loving guy.  He played with our kids and Finley throughout the evening.  He had them jumping to him and he was beading up with sweat.